UK Government Accelerates £75 Million Compensation for LGBT Veterans

The UK Government has committed to accelerating financial redress payments to LGBT veterans who faced abuse, assault, dishonourable discharge, and other mistreatment due to their sexuality while serving between 1967 and 2000. A £75 million compensation scheme offers payments up to £70,000 to acknowledge these historic wrongs, with extra sums available for harm beyond dismissal. Veterans Minister Al Carns pledged to nearly double the staff processing applications, introduce an automated payment system to reduce delays, and double Independent Panel sittings to expedite case reviews. Despite these efforts, campaigners and MPs have criticized the slow pace of the scheme, emphasizing that many affected veterans are elderly and in poor health, thus in urgent need of support. The Government aims to fully implement Lord Etherton's recommendations, having already completed the majority, and stresses its commitment to delivering justice to those who suffered under the so-called 'gay ban' in the armed forces. Advocacy groups highlight the lifelong consequences faced by veterans, including loss of pensions, medals, and reputations, and urge swift resolution of outstanding claims.